New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 453 The Proposal

It had been a long day for everyone. Matthew decided enough was enough and waved goodbye to Claire and Adrian, heading home for some much-needed rest. Claire, however, remained at Cryptonic, not working but stewing over everything that had unfolded. Her mind buzzed like an angry hive of bees. Adrian noticed her sitting on the couch, arms crossed, eyes darting back and forth as if trying to crack an invisible code. He sighed and plopped down beside her, leaning back casually.

"Claire, you've got to let it go. Rest," Adrian said softly, nudging her arm with his elbow.

Claire shook her head, looking at him like he'd just suggested she run a marathon in heels. "I can't, Adrian. If I let my guard down even for a second, Eligos will twist this whole situation into something worse. He always finds a way."

Adrian frowned, watching her fingers twist a strand of hair absentmindedly. He reached over, gently taking her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

"Claire," he said, voice low and serious, "I need to talk to you about something. I was going to say this before you stormed off from the party."

Claire blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. "What is it?"

Adrian pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. Amazingly, it was still intact despite all the chaos they'd gone through earlier. Claire's heart skipped a beat as he flipped it open, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled even in the dim office lighting.

"I want you to be mine," Adrian said simply, his eyes locked onto hers.

Claire froze, her breath hitching. For a moment, all she could do was stare at the ring, her wide eyes reflecting the glimmer of the diamond.

"Adrian," she whispered, pulling her hand away and standing up so fast she almost tripped on the coffee table.

Adrian followed suit, frowning slightly as he stepped closer. "Claire, I'm serious. I love you. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

She shook her head, taking a step back. "You don't understand. If we do this if I say yes you could get hurt. Eligos isn't someone you can just ignore. He'll come after you, Adrian."

"I'm already in this, Claire," Adrian said firmly. "I've been hurt before, and I'm still here, aren't I? We're already together. What's the difference if we take this step?"

"The difference is...it's serious. It's permanent," Claire said, her voice cracking slightly. "What if I can't protect you? What if you end up regretting this?"

hand through his hair. "We've talked about this before, Claire. Remember the safe house? You promised me you'd stop

closed it again. She was tongue-tied. Every logical part of her brain told her to push Adrian away

tone, stepping closer. "Listen, you don't have to give me an answer right

slid the ring onto her

you," Adrian said, lifting her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "No

lingering smile, he turned and walked out of the office, leaving Claire standing there like a

in her ears. She glanced down

feeling heavier than it should. She was shocked, yes, but there was also a warmth blooming in her chest-a

Laurent just proposed to her. And she didn't know what

moment from her mind. She paced back and forth in her office, mattering to herself like

to grow

her

off the walls as she

what he's getting into?" she said aloud, her voice

through her hair in

eyes darted to the small

With hesitant fingers, she opened it once

memory like a mocking reminder of her indecision.

her voice steady but

before stepping inside, looking a bit sheepish. "Hey. Sorry to barge in. I think I left my

"Your laptop?" she repeated, her tone a mix of surprise and

landed on the device sitting on the corner of

her with a curious expression. "You okay? You look confused and

feeling the weight of his concern. Her shoulders slumped

eyebrows shooting up so fast they nearly disappeared into his

her tone flat as she reached for the velvet box. She opened it and held